Jackie Browne - 5 stars out of 10
"Jackie Brown" is a slow-paced, character driven heist film that spends too much time developing its characters. I'm all about character development, but the heist would have been much more effective with less focus on the characters (maybe making this film 2 hours instead of 2 and a half). Pam Grier, in the title role, is so cool th...at she could freeze the sun. Samuel L. Jackson typically radiates cool but the character of Jackie Brown makes him look tame. There are strong performances all around, including Keaton as a clueless cop and DeNiro with his subtle madness throughout the film. I love the heist sequence, showing each character's perspective of the crime. It wants to be Pulp Fiction so badly... but there is only one Pulp Fiction. Jackie Brown is worth watching for its great acting and great characters - just consider fast forwarding large chunks of the first half of the film to get to the good stuff.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Another Year - 2 stars out of 10
Another Year - 2 stars out of 10
"Another Year" is a grim portrayal of how everybody's life sucks. I know that this was a dramedy, but I didn't quite catch the comic aspect (British humor and all). This film just has an underwhelming sense of monotony, cataloguing the grief and woes of the people surrounding one happy married couple. The dialogue is clever (hence t...he Oscar nomination) but the story is just sort of "eh..." The highlight of the film is Lesley Manville, who develops incredible depth over the course of the four seasons. Her portrayal of a middle-aged, misunderstood, lost soul is really heartwrenching and lonely. Although this character shines, it isn't worth watching this film just for her performance.
"Another Year" is a grim portrayal of how everybody's life sucks. I know that this was a dramedy, but I didn't quite catch the comic aspect (British humor and all). This film just has an underwhelming sense of monotony, cataloguing the grief and woes of the people surrounding one happy married couple. The dialogue is clever (hence t...he Oscar nomination) but the story is just sort of "eh..." The highlight of the film is Lesley Manville, who develops incredible depth over the course of the four seasons. Her portrayal of a middle-aged, misunderstood, lost soul is really heartwrenching and lonely. Although this character shines, it isn't worth watching this film just for her performance.
I Saw the Devil - 4 stars out of 10
I Saw the Devil - 4 stars out of 10
"I Saw the Devil" is the story of a man who repeatedly hunts down and tortures a psychopath after the psychopath killed his fiance. The first 20 minutes of this film were among the most disturbing that I've ever seen. And it just gets worse throughout the course of the film. I lost count of the number of times that I cringed around 15. And then the cab scene? I've never seen anything like that. Ever. And the doctor's office. And the kitchen. And the hallway head-bashing. And the bathroom stall. And the hospital bed. Is there no end to the madness? Apparently not, based on the most twisted ending ever. I have never had a horror film single-handedly make every slasher film that I've ever seen look so tame. This story of vengeance does contain excellent acting but... I can't recommend this film because it is so gory and violent that I wouldn't encourage anybody to fill their minds with that imagery. I looked away several times and I rarely ever feel the need to divert my eyes. Watch at your own risk (and I don't mean that in a challenging way. I mean that in a "Don't say that I didn't warn you" way).
"I Saw the Devil" is the story of a man who repeatedly hunts down and tortures a psychopath after the psychopath killed his fiance. The first 20 minutes of this film were among the most disturbing that I've ever seen. And it just gets worse throughout the course of the film. I lost count of the number of times that I cringed around 15. And then the cab scene? I've never seen anything like that. Ever. And the doctor's office. And the kitchen. And the hallway head-bashing. And the bathroom stall. And the hospital bed. Is there no end to the madness? Apparently not, based on the most twisted ending ever. I have never had a horror film single-handedly make every slasher film that I've ever seen look so tame. This story of vengeance does contain excellent acting but... I can't recommend this film because it is so gory and violent that I wouldn't encourage anybody to fill their minds with that imagery. I looked away several times and I rarely ever feel the need to divert my eyes. Watch at your own risk (and I don't mean that in a challenging way. I mean that in a "Don't say that I didn't warn you" way).
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Unforgettable - 4 stars out of 10
Unforgettable - 4 stars out of 10
Ray Liotta plays a medical examiner who tries to clear his name from the murder his wife in this (ironically) forgettable film. While the concept of memory transfer is pretty cool, the script fails to make it believable and as a result, the plot falls flat. This movie is worth a watch for its decent action scenes and strong acting, but I can think of 300 action films that I would recommend ahead of this one.
Ray Liotta plays a medical examiner who tries to clear his name from the murder his wife in this (ironically) forgettable film. While the concept of memory transfer is pretty cool, the script fails to make it believable and as a result, the plot falls flat. This movie is worth a watch for its decent action scenes and strong acting, but I can think of 300 action films that I would recommend ahead of this one.
Romeo and Juliet (1968) - 8 stars out of 10
Romeo and Juliet (1968) - 8 stars out of 10
"Romeo and Juliet", perhaps the most famous (and most tragic) story of love at first sight ever written, has never enjoyed as fine of a performance as in Franko Zeffirelli's 1968 production. Shakespeare's plays are meant to be seen, not read, and this film beautifully brings the play to life. The balcony scene is cinematic perfection. Olivia Hussey is the ideal Juliet, possessing a seductive quality while remaining a beacon of innocence. Using young actors to play the title roles creates a unique, passionate atmosphere. In fact, my only complaint was Mercutio, who proved to be incredibly annoying. Aside from the famous moments which are all handled just right, my favorite moment in the movie is the regretful expression on Tybalt's face after he kills Mercutio. That one expression changed my entire perspective of the story, showing that the younger generation hated because of their ancestors but had no true motivation to bring harm to the other. Nino Rota's musical score really ties the entire film together, properly expressing the emotions contained in each scene and its beautiful themes could awaken the romantic inside of the most heartless person alive. Romeo and Juliet is often overdone and creates a lot of tired performances but the Zeffirelli version is always fresh and emotional.
"Romeo and Juliet", perhaps the most famous (and most tragic) story of love at first sight ever written, has never enjoyed as fine of a performance as in Franko Zeffirelli's 1968 production. Shakespeare's plays are meant to be seen, not read, and this film beautifully brings the play to life. The balcony scene is cinematic perfection. Olivia Hussey is the ideal Juliet, possessing a seductive quality while remaining a beacon of innocence. Using young actors to play the title roles creates a unique, passionate atmosphere. In fact, my only complaint was Mercutio, who proved to be incredibly annoying. Aside from the famous moments which are all handled just right, my favorite moment in the movie is the regretful expression on Tybalt's face after he kills Mercutio. That one expression changed my entire perspective of the story, showing that the younger generation hated because of their ancestors but had no true motivation to bring harm to the other. Nino Rota's musical score really ties the entire film together, properly expressing the emotions contained in each scene and its beautiful themes could awaken the romantic inside of the most heartless person alive. Romeo and Juliet is often overdone and creates a lot of tired performances but the Zeffirelli version is always fresh and emotional.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Terminator - 4 stars out of 10
Terminator - 4 stars out of 10
"Terminator," the originator of the post-apocalyptic "robots take over the world" line of films, is only a good film because it inspired Terminator 2. It has two of the most famous lines in action cinema ("Come with me if you wanna live" and obviously "I'll be back") but beyond that, there isn't anything too clever about the dialogu...e. The focus of this film is definitely concept and special effects. It's ironic that Reese mentions that the robots were easy to spot when they had rubber faces... since it's really easy to spot the rubber faces throughout the film. That being said, the self-surgery scene was pretty good, sporting some decent special effects for 1984. The action sequences are good but the cyborg special effects toward the end (full body walking shots) really fall flat, taking a fairly realistic film and ruining it. They easily could have stuck with the half-body shots that DO work, but the editors must have just felt too ambitious for 1984. Terminator is good for what it is but since Terminator 2 can stand on it's own, there isn't much of a reason to watch this - instead, I'd recommend watching Terminator 2 twice.
"Terminator," the originator of the post-apocalyptic "robots take over the world" line of films, is only a good film because it inspired Terminator 2. It has two of the most famous lines in action cinema ("Come with me if you wanna live" and obviously "I'll be back") but beyond that, there isn't anything too clever about the dialogu...e. The focus of this film is definitely concept and special effects. It's ironic that Reese mentions that the robots were easy to spot when they had rubber faces... since it's really easy to spot the rubber faces throughout the film. That being said, the self-surgery scene was pretty good, sporting some decent special effects for 1984. The action sequences are good but the cyborg special effects toward the end (full body walking shots) really fall flat, taking a fairly realistic film and ruining it. They easily could have stuck with the half-body shots that DO work, but the editors must have just felt too ambitious for 1984. Terminator is good for what it is but since Terminator 2 can stand on it's own, there isn't much of a reason to watch this - instead, I'd recommend watching Terminator 2 twice.
True Grit (2010) - 9 stars out of 10
True Grit (2010) - 9 stars out of 10
Though many may argue that it isn't fair to compare remakes to their original versions, I cannot help but compare this superior update of "True Grit" to its 1969 predecessor. The opening voiceover is much better than the opening to the original True Grit, allowing the audience to get to know Mattie Ross while cutting out a part of the story that needs to be known but not seen. This film came close to being the perfect Western with it's character building first half and its thrilling ending; unfortunately, about 25 slow minutes in the second half nearly bring the film to a halt and is its only downfall. Jeff Bridges is great, bringing the necessary bravado to play the role of Rooster. Nobody was going to defeat Firth for the Oscar in 2011 but Bridges definitely earned his nomination, giving a different (but still effective) interpretation than John Wayne did in 1969. While Damon and Brolin round out the all-stars in this cast of incredible actors, Hailee Steinfeld steals the show as Mattie Ross. There was a very high standard set by Kim Darby in the original, but Steinfeld certainly lived up to it (particularly in the bargaining scene). Her performance soars over Melissa Leo in The Fighter and it's robbery that Steinfeld did not win the Oscar. Hopefully this is the first of many successful films in her future. You can tell that this version is 40 years older based on the hanging scene, fingers being cut off, and other extreme visuals that would not have fit in with the 1969 standards. Although it did not win any Oscars, it takes an incredible film to earn 10 nominations and you can expect top notch directing (Coen Brothers) and acting when you sit down to enjoy this Western.
Though many may argue that it isn't fair to compare remakes to their original versions, I cannot help but compare this superior update of "True Grit" to its 1969 predecessor. The opening voiceover is much better than the opening to the original True Grit, allowing the audience to get to know Mattie Ross while cutting out a part of the story that needs to be known but not seen. This film came close to being the perfect Western with it's character building first half and its thrilling ending; unfortunately, about 25 slow minutes in the second half nearly bring the film to a halt and is its only downfall. Jeff Bridges is great, bringing the necessary bravado to play the role of Rooster. Nobody was going to defeat Firth for the Oscar in 2011 but Bridges definitely earned his nomination, giving a different (but still effective) interpretation than John Wayne did in 1969. While Damon and Brolin round out the all-stars in this cast of incredible actors, Hailee Steinfeld steals the show as Mattie Ross. There was a very high standard set by Kim Darby in the original, but Steinfeld certainly lived up to it (particularly in the bargaining scene). Her performance soars over Melissa Leo in The Fighter and it's robbery that Steinfeld did not win the Oscar. Hopefully this is the first of many successful films in her future. You can tell that this version is 40 years older based on the hanging scene, fingers being cut off, and other extreme visuals that would not have fit in with the 1969 standards. Although it did not win any Oscars, it takes an incredible film to earn 10 nominations and you can expect top notch directing (Coen Brothers) and acting when you sit down to enjoy this Western.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Volcano - 3 stars out of 10
Volcano - 3 stars out of 10
Released just two months after the blockbuster "Dante's Peak", it is only natural to make a comparison between these two volcanic films. Although "Volcano" has some really cool disaster special effects, it fails to compete with the aforementioned film in the realm of plot and acting. Something can be said for creating a character wh...o is 10 years old (Dante's) instead of a 15-year-old character who acts as if she's 10 (Volcano). Like seriously, if there’s a building that is about to fall on you, just stand there for 30 seconds instead of moving out of the way. Volcano has a lot of "yeah, right" moments in it, but I suppose that the reason for watching this is special effects and not realism. I don't blame Tommy Lee Jones for his mediocre acting - he didn't have much to work with. Aside from the cool special effects, the only other thing that I really enjoyed was the sassy black guy that kept mocking the cop who put him in handcuffs. Instead of recommending this film, I am going to recommend that you see Dante's Peak instead.. even if it doesn't have a "We are all equals because we united during tragedy" message at the end.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Good Will Hunting - 9 stars out of 10
Good Will Hunting - 9 stars out of 10
Unlikely screenwriters-turned-actors (or is it the other way around?) Damon and Affleck managed to pen one of the most critically acclaimed films of all time. The script deserved its Oscar as did Robin Williams who won for Best Supporting Actor. Williams' father-figure relationship with Damon (who deservedly received an Oscar nod) i...s heartwarming as he tries to help Damon to reach his potential and, more importantly, find happiness. The film is worth watching just for one of Damon's incredible intellectual monologues. Minnie Drive also earned an Oscar for the role that is undoubtedly the best that she has portrayed (or ever will). The story is simple: A troubled college-age kid with potential that is hindered by his baggage meets a man who can help. The thing that makes this film special is its South Boston atmosphere and was the first in a long line of films that would use this gritty atmosphere to create a portrait of "tough" American life. If you are interested in action and special effects, this is not your film; however, if you are looking for a raw portrayal of life and a script that will transport you to South Boston, few films will impress you more.
Biutiful - 2 stars out of 10
Biutiful - 2 stars out of 10
"Biutiful" is a slow-moving, longwinded journey that leads to... nowhere. This film just took too long to get into the plot and lost my interest within the first 20 minutes. In this character study, a lot of time is spent developing the characters that surround Javier Bardem to indirectly tell the story of his life and what he need...s to do in order to make things right before his life comes to an end. The unsteady camerawork gives it the personal feel necessary to feel as if you are living the film. Unfortunately, the upsetting content is nothing that anybody WANTS to live out. There are moments when retribution seemingly will bring happiness, but those moments are met with upsetting scenes (the Chinese warehouse, the child abuse) to keep you down in the dumps. I was particularly annoyed with the strip club scene, which did not develop the plot and merely made the film 15 minutes too long. I have to compliment Bardem's performance as he filled this film with his raw emotion. I also enjoyed the ending as everything came full circle. Unfortunately, I cannot say that it is worth enduring 2 1/2 hours of depressing content (not to mention asense that the film didn't really go anywhere) in order to watch Bardem perform.
"Biutiful" is a slow-moving, longwinded journey that leads to... nowhere. This film just took too long to get into the plot and lost my interest within the first 20 minutes. In this character study, a lot of time is spent developing the characters that surround Javier Bardem to indirectly tell the story of his life and what he need...s to do in order to make things right before his life comes to an end. The unsteady camerawork gives it the personal feel necessary to feel as if you are living the film. Unfortunately, the upsetting content is nothing that anybody WANTS to live out. There are moments when retribution seemingly will bring happiness, but those moments are met with upsetting scenes (the Chinese warehouse, the child abuse) to keep you down in the dumps. I was particularly annoyed with the strip club scene, which did not develop the plot and merely made the film 15 minutes too long. I have to compliment Bardem's performance as he filled this film with his raw emotion. I also enjoyed the ending as everything came full circle. Unfortunately, I cannot say that it is worth enduring 2 1/2 hours of depressing content (not to mention asense that the film didn't really go anywhere) in order to watch Bardem perform.
Scream 4 - 8 stars out of 10
Scream 4 - 8 stars out of 10
"SCRE4M" is a fresh, successful reboot of one of the scariest villains in the slasher genre. After a 10+ year hiatus from the screen, Sidney Prescott returns to Woodsboro on the eve of the killings' 15th anniversary. Although I felt that the plot justified making another film, this version tries too hard to be funny. There is place for humor in these series as a result of tuning previous plots to stereotype a sequel or the end of a trilogy; however, Scream 4 adds confused humor during several brutal murders and I am not sure why. That being said, I loved the humor during the first sequence of the film, completely mocking terrible sequels through recognizeable actresses and films-within-a-film. The majority of characters in this film (aside from the aging trio from the previous 3 films) are attractive young women. This is not a complaint - I just find it interesting that there are so many more attractive female characters to draw the male eye but consequently, many more characters that can be killed. Despite a certain expectation as a slasher film, TOO MANY people die. 1. The film loses realism if everybody in the town is killed. 2. Each murder is less effective when there are so many. This is what seperates the first film from the rest - the first is a plot-driven portrayal of what would realistically happen with a serial killer on the loose in a small town. The rest have decent plots... but their main focus is creating a lot of death scenes. The highlight of the film is Emma Roberts who has stepped out of her squeaky clean stereotype (Nancy Drew, Aquamarine) and proven herself as a real, dramatic actress. Hayden Panettiere's hair was bad but her acting was good, and I particularly liked Marley Shelton in her few moments of screen time. The other standout actress was Alison Brie whose big eyes and sassy disposition was a nice contrast to the calm and collected Campbell. This film was enjoyable and had two of the most shocking twists I've ever seen (my jaw literally dropped). I recommend it but I fear that if the writers continue to include humor at inappropriate moments, future Scream films could become as laughable as the terrible sequels that they mock.
"SCRE4M" is a fresh, successful reboot of one of the scariest villains in the slasher genre. After a 10+ year hiatus from the screen, Sidney Prescott returns to Woodsboro on the eve of the killings' 15th anniversary. Although I felt that the plot justified making another film, this version tries too hard to be funny. There is place for humor in these series as a result of tuning previous plots to stereotype a sequel or the end of a trilogy; however, Scream 4 adds confused humor during several brutal murders and I am not sure why. That being said, I loved the humor during the first sequence of the film, completely mocking terrible sequels through recognizeable actresses and films-within-a-film. The majority of characters in this film (aside from the aging trio from the previous 3 films) are attractive young women. This is not a complaint - I just find it interesting that there are so many more attractive female characters to draw the male eye but consequently, many more characters that can be killed. Despite a certain expectation as a slasher film, TOO MANY people die. 1. The film loses realism if everybody in the town is killed. 2. Each murder is less effective when there are so many. This is what seperates the first film from the rest - the first is a plot-driven portrayal of what would realistically happen with a serial killer on the loose in a small town. The rest have decent plots... but their main focus is creating a lot of death scenes. The highlight of the film is Emma Roberts who has stepped out of her squeaky clean stereotype (Nancy Drew, Aquamarine) and proven herself as a real, dramatic actress. Hayden Panettiere's hair was bad but her acting was good, and I particularly liked Marley Shelton in her few moments of screen time. The other standout actress was Alison Brie whose big eyes and sassy disposition was a nice contrast to the calm and collected Campbell. This film was enjoyable and had two of the most shocking twists I've ever seen (my jaw literally dropped). I recommend it but I fear that if the writers continue to include humor at inappropriate moments, future Scream films could become as laughable as the terrible sequels that they mock.
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